The Department of Forensic Medicine at the School of Basic Medical Sciences of Jilin University was established in 1984, evolving from the former Teaching and Research Group of Forensic Medicine of Norman Bethune University of Medical Sciences, which was founded in 1958. In 1996, the department was approved to offer master’s degree programs in forensic medicine. Relying on the strong disciplinary resources of Jilin University and under the leadership and support of the School of Basic Medical Sciences, the Department of Forensic Medicine has kept pace with the development of the university and the school, striving to enhance the quality of teaching and research in forensic medicine. It is dedicated to cultivating high-caliber professionals with solid expertise, strong practical skills, and innovative thinking, contributing to the advancement of forensic science and judicial practices in society. Currently, the department is primarily responsible for teaching undergraduate clinical medicine students and MBBS programs. It has participated in compiling three textbooks and academic works, including Forensic Medicine (3rd Edition). The department has guided students to win one gold award and three bronze awards in the forensic medicine track of the 8th, 9th, and 10th National Finals of the Basic Medical Innovation Research and Experimental Design Forum for College Students. Additionally, it has undertaken more than 20 national and provincial-level research projects, published over 100 papers in domestic and international journals, obtained two authorized patents, and received three scientific achievement awards from Jilin Province.

        On September 30, 2005, the Jilin University Center of Judicial Expertise was officially established with the approval of the Jilin Provincial Department of Justice. Leveraging the faculty and academic platform of the Department of Forensic Medicine, the center has set up multiple divisions including forensic pathology, forensic clinical medicine, and forensic toxicological analysis, undertaking corresponding forensic judicial appraisal tasks. In 2017, it was designated by the Changchun Municipal Health and Family Planning Commission as an institution for autopsy examinations in medical malpractice cases. In 2019, it was selected as one of the 28 “Recommended Institutions for Forensic Appraisal of Unnatural Citizen Deaths” by the Ministry of Justice, making it the only institution in Jilin Province to receive this recognition. That same year, a joint virtual autopsy laboratory center, the first in China to be equipped with both CT and MR, was established through multi-party collaboration among the university, police, medical institutions, and enterprises. In 2020, the center passed the CMA certification for ethanol testing granted by the Jilin Provincial Administration for Market Regulation. In March 2024, it was honored with the title of “National Advanced Collective in Public Legal Services” by the Ministry of Justice. From 2021 to 2024, the center completed 449 autopsy examinations, 169 forensic pathology appraisals, 864 forensic clinical appraisals, and 420 blood alcohol tests. As a judicial appraisal institution integrating teaching, research, and social services, the center adheres to the principles of “impartiality, objectivity, science, and standardization”, actively serving in the appraisal of major and complex cases. It provides robust evidence for the investigation, review, prosecution, and trial of cases handled by judicial authorities, as well as for the resolution of medical disputes and other incidents by health administrative departments.